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loganmj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There's a lot to say about this book, none of which I feel fully qualified to say in my less-than-educated position.
It is a book that, at a time when this was most deplorable, took a look at the world and decided it did not like what it saw.
It is, nearly, a pure philosophy book. One that wrestles with itself, tries on the hats of several alternatives, then ultimately decides that maybe some questions are better left unanswered.
During all this, the book is constantly, wryly, laugh-out-loud funny. The author goes out of his way too lampoon everything and everyone, taking great cathartic pleasure in stabbing his pen at the world around him.
I would recommend this heartily. This is a book that will take several reads to fully digest, and will require the looking up of certain words, names references, and historical contexts. Thankfully, it is not a long book, and should be easy to rifle through if one so desires.
It is a book that, at a time when this was most deplorable, took a look at the world and decided it did not like what it saw.
It is, nearly, a pure philosophy book. One that wrestles with itself, tries on the hats of several alternatives, then ultimately decides that maybe some questions are better left unanswered.
During all this, the book is constantly, wryly, laugh-out-loud funny. The author goes out of his way too lampoon everything and everyone, taking great cathartic pleasure in stabbing his pen at the world around him.
I would recommend this heartily. This is a book that will take several reads to fully digest, and will require the looking up of certain words, names references, and historical contexts. Thankfully, it is not a long book, and should be easy to rifle through if one so desires.
fantine525's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
So much happened, how is it only 150 pages? The plot of this book shows, that the world is a horrible and cruel place, everything bad that can possibly happen does happen to the characters and yet the ending is a rather optimistic one. Crazy. I can’t wait to discuss it with my mum.
foxtayle's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the plot of the book, but the ending was extremely disappointing. He traverses the entire planet to be reunited with the love of his life, only to reject her because he thinks she is ugly? Perhaps it is a critique of pessimism, though I'm still pretty disappointed either way. I also definitely did not expect Voltaire to be as antisemitic as he was in this book.
thepeculiarlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bgick's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
8797999's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this book, I would say it was amazing but a very solid and amusing book. To me reading it it reminded me a bit of Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene. Completely different books but felt similar to me, especially Candide and his various pairings to the Monsignor and Mayor.
A short book but does pack a lot in it and I would happily read it again.
A short book but does pack a lot in it and I would happily read it again.
emmalemonnz's review against another edition
2.0
I struggle with satirical novels in general, and I find this outdated style of writing tedious. It's hard to become engaged in the story.
I enjoyed the ideas in the story, but not passionately, and there wasn't anything else to enjoy.
I enjoyed the ideas in the story, but not passionately, and there wasn't anything else to enjoy.
angelsrgorgeous's review
3.0
A well written, stinging satire. Especially applicable for those who write off all unfortunate happenings in the world, the philosophical problem of evil, etc., as "for the best" for all involved.
I believe our minds are capable of more, and we shouldn't limit their capabilities for understanding with such quick assumptions due either to our fear, laziness, lack of understanding, or any other reason. Being comfortable with uncertainty, or aware of the existence of moral ambiguity means that we're human and are leaving to door open to further learning.
This book wonderfully presents these issues and others in an entertaining and lively fashion.
I believe our minds are capable of more, and we shouldn't limit their capabilities for understanding with such quick assumptions due either to our fear, laziness, lack of understanding, or any other reason. Being comfortable with uncertainty, or aware of the existence of moral ambiguity means that we're human and are leaving to door open to further learning.
This book wonderfully presents these issues and others in an entertaining and lively fashion.
bookbuggs93's review against another edition
3.0
Funny moments. Really saw Voltaire's satire throughout the entire book.